CTE New Teacher Institute Forum: The Most Important Thing...

Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).

This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7

This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6

For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5

This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4

Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3

Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Most Important Thing...

The most important thing I have learned about my students this year is that they are all different. Everyone has their own issues and carry a lot with them when the enter the classroom. I think these days students have more emotional stress and don't always have a stable foundation at home. So, teaching requires a little bit more patience, "tough love," and the poker chip mentality to give students a safe and consistent environment to learn and develop in.

I have also learned that students want to be challenged. Teachers must be on their toes, constantly developing new plans, new projects, and relate it all to new technology or how it can be applied to their world.

Finally, I have learned that these kids we have now are a lot different from how they were just 7 years ago when I was in school. I think students today have a greater feeling of entitlement. Most think that they deserve something, or that the concept of earning something is gone. Students are handed a lot by their parents and the work ethic / effort is not as strong. As I tell my students, "Don't settle for a minimum." Many students settle for the minimal expectations and do not want to exceed...they just want to pass. I guess its just another challenge for teachers to teach beyond the curriculum, and teach some life skills.

Also...I chaperoned prom this weekend. Nothing like being out of high school for only 7 years and immediately feeling old as you walk into the dance room. :)

5 comments:

Leonard said...: I agree with you, Penny about students' desires to just get by. I have a hard time motivating them if they have their mind set. I emphasize on how important good work habits and ethics are in the work force with the economy today. We are not really teaching our students if we are not preparing them for the working world. I am blunt and up front with them but they will still have to deal with reality when it comes. I have students that have graduated that have volunteered to come and speak to my classes to reinforce what I have taught to try to prepare them.; March 15, 2009 at 3:52:00 PM EDT
Grummer said...: I agree with you. Most students definately have a sense of entitlement. Their desire to work hard, just for the sake of working hard, seems non-existant. No matter how much I spoon-feed them, they never seem to see how easy high school can be. I guess this is a common problem for us all.; March 15, 2009 at 4:36:00 PM EDT
Grummer said...: p.s. = my wife keeps asking me to volunteer for prom so she can go... I've yet to comply...; March 15, 2009 at 4:41:00 PM EDT
Nitzana Floyd said...: Dear Lord, you are young!; March 15, 2009 at 6:04:00 PM EDT
Joe Westbrook said...: Yep I felt pretty old last year when I volunteered to be working the parking lot at prom. It had been 35 years since my prom. I loved it. The kids were great!

Their work ethic skills are very low overall. They want to do the minimum amount to pass. That attitude is shown by upper classmen mostly. Good Luck!; March 15, 2009 at 6:13:00 PM EDT